New Orleans Pelicans 2017: A Look Back At The Roster
Let's take a trip down memory lane and revisit the New Orleans Pelicans roster from 2017! Remember those days? It was a time of hope, promise, and a team striving to make its mark in the competitive NBA landscape. The 2016-2017 season saw the Pelicans trying to find the right mix of talent and chemistry to climb the Western Conference standings. This wasn't just a team; it was a collection of players, each with their own story, skill set, and aspirations, all coming together under the banner of New Orleans basketball. So, let's dive in and explore the players who donned the Pelicans jersey during that season.
The Core Players
At the heart of the 2017 Pelicans roster were some truly impactful players. These guys weren't just filling spots; they were the engines that drove the team, the leaders who set the tone, and the players fans counted on to deliver night in and night out. We're talking about the guys who could change a game with a single play, who had the experience and talent to elevate the team's performance, and who embodied the spirit of the city. First and foremost, we have to talk about Anthony Davis. "The Brow" was already a dominant force in the league, showcasing his incredible athleticism, scoring ability, and defensive prowess. He was the centerpiece of the Pelicans' strategy, the player around whom the team's hopes and dreams revolved. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, protect the rim, and impact the game in so many ways made him a walking highlight reel and a constant threat to opponents. Teaming up with Davis was DeMarcus Cousins, another supremely talented big man with a unique blend of skill and physicality. Cousins brought a different dimension to the Pelicans' frontcourt, adding toughness, playmaking, and a scoring punch that made the Pelicans a nightmare matchup for opposing teams. The combination of Davis and Cousins was a tantalizing prospect, a twin-tower duo that had the potential to dominate the league for years to come.
The Supporting Cast
Beyond the star power of Davis and Cousins, the 2017 Pelicans roster featured a supporting cast of players who played crucial roles in the team's success. These were the guys who did the dirty work, who provided the energy and hustle, and who stepped up when their number was called. Every team needs those players who can contribute in different ways. Jrue Holiday was a vital cog in the Pelicans' machine, bringing his two-way excellence to the court. Holiday was a dynamic point guard who could score, defend, and create opportunities for his teammates. His ability to control the tempo of the game, make smart decisions with the ball, and lock down opposing guards made him an invaluable asset to the team. E'Twaun Moore provided valuable scoring and shooting off the bench, giving the Pelicans a much-needed offensive boost. Moore was a reliable scorer who could knock down shots from beyond the arc, attack the basket, and create his own opportunities. His ability to stretch the floor and provide instant offense made him a key contributor off the bench. Players like Solomon Hill, Dante Cunningham, and Terrence Jones added depth and versatility to the roster, providing valuable minutes and contributing in various ways. These were the guys who could fill different roles, defend multiple positions, and provide the grit and toughness that every team needs to win games. Their contributions may not have always made the headlines, but they were essential to the team's overall success.
Key Role Players
The New Orleans Pelicans in 2017 had some unsung heroes, the kind of guys who might not always be in the spotlight but were essential to the team's overall performance. These role players brought specific skills and a strong work ethic, complementing the stars and filling the gaps in the lineup. Guys like Alexis Ajinça and Omer Asik provided size and rebounding, important elements for any team looking to control the boards and protect the paint. Ajinça, with his offensive capabilities around the rim, and Asik, known for his defensive presence, gave the Pelicans frontcourt depth and flexibility. Their ability to grab rebounds, block shots, and alter opponents' shots made them valuable contributors on both ends of the court. Furthermore, players like Quinn Cook and Axel Toupane, though they might not have had huge roles, added depth and competition in practices, pushing the starters to be better. Cook, with his scoring ability, and Toupane, with his energy and hustle, provided valuable contributions whenever their names were called. Their presence on the roster ensured that the team had options and that every player had to earn their minutes.
Coaching Staff
Behind every NBA team is a dedicated coaching staff, and the 2017 New Orleans Pelicans were no exception. The coaches play a crucial role in shaping the team's strategy, developing the players' skills, and fostering a winning culture. Head coach Alvin Gentry led the charge, bringing his experience and expertise to the Pelicans' sideline. Gentry was known for his offensive schemes and his ability to connect with players, creating a positive and supportive environment. His leadership was essential in guiding the team through the ups and downs of the season. Assisting Gentry were a team of assistant coaches, each with their own areas of expertise. These coaches worked closely with the players, providing individual instruction, developing game plans, and analyzing opponents. Their dedication and hard work were instrumental in the team's preparation and performance. The coaching staff was responsible for implementing the team's offensive and defensive strategies, making adjustments during games, and ensuring that the players were prepared to compete at their highest level. Their leadership and guidance were essential in shaping the team's identity and fostering a winning culture.
Season Highlights and Challenges
The 2016-17 NBA season was a rollercoaster ride for the New Orleans Pelicans, filled with both exciting highs and challenging lows. There were moments of brilliance, stretches of dominance, and glimpses of the team's potential, but also periods of inconsistency, injuries, and frustrating losses. One of the highlights of the season was the acquisition of DeMarcus Cousins, which created a buzz of excitement among fans and analysts alike. The prospect of pairing Cousins with Anthony Davis was a tantalizing one, and many believed that it would elevate the Pelicans into a true contender in the Western Conference. However, integrating Cousins into the team proved to be more challenging than anticipated, and the Pelicans struggled to find consistency with their new star. Injuries also played a significant role in the Pelicans' season, as key players missed games due to various ailments. The absence of key players disrupted the team's chemistry and made it difficult to establish a consistent rhythm. Despite the challenges, the Pelicans showed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, demonstrating their potential to compete with the league's best teams. However, they ultimately fell short of their playoff aspirations, finishing with a record of 34-48. The season served as a valuable learning experience for the team, highlighting the areas that needed improvement and providing a foundation for future success.
Where Are They Now?
It's always interesting to look back and see where the players from the 2017 Pelicans roster ended up. The NBA is a constantly evolving league, with players moving from team to team, pursuing different opportunities, and continuing their basketball journeys. Anthony Davis, as we all know, eventually moved on to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he teamed up with LeBron James and won an NBA championship. His time with the Pelicans was marked by individual brilliance, but ultimately, he sought a new challenge and a chance to compete for a title. DeMarcus Cousins also bounced around the league, playing for several different teams before eventually finding a role as a veteran presence. His career has been marked by both incredible talent and unfortunate injuries, but he remains a respected player in the NBA community. Jrue Holiday continued to be a key player for the Pelicans for several years before being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he won an NBA championship alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. Holiday's two-way excellence and leadership have made him a valuable asset to any team he's been a part of. As for the other players on the roster, some have continued to play in the NBA, while others have pursued opportunities overseas or transitioned into different careers. The journey of a basketball player is often unpredictable, and it's always interesting to see where life takes them after their time with a particular team.
The 2017 New Orleans Pelicans roster was a team with potential, filled with talented players and intriguing storylines. While they didn't achieve their ultimate goals, they provided fans with plenty of memorable moments and laid the foundation for future success. Looking back at that roster, it's clear that the Pelicans were a team in transition, searching for the right formula to compete with the league's elite. The combination of Davis, Cousins, and Holiday was a tantalizing one, but injuries and other factors prevented them from reaching their full potential. Nevertheless, the 2017 Pelicans roster remains a significant chapter in the team's history, a reminder of the hopes, dreams, and challenges that come with building a successful NBA franchise. It was a time of change, a time of growth, and a time that helped shape the future of the New Orleans Pelicans.
